Sydney to Canberra Seaplane Route
Canberra might be an inland city, but a novel proposal would see seaplanes ferry passengers from Sydney Harbour to Lake Burley Griffin, if approval from the body that manages the lake is granted.
Sydney Seaplanes wants to commence a thrice-daily route between Canberra and Rose Bay in Sydney Harbour, with two of the round-trip flights touching down in and taking off from the west basin of Lake Burley Griffin, near the National Museum of Australia.
The company estimates each flight would be able to carry 15 passengers, each paying about $300 for a one-way ticket.
As a proof of concept, the National Capital Authority (NCA), which manages the lake, has agreed to a demonstration landing on the lake next Tuesday, before putting questions about noise and environmental impact to the public.
"The board looked at it and thought it had some merit and that we should explore it further," NCA chief executive Sally Barnes said.
"Their proposition is that you go from one iconic waterway — Sydney Harbour — to another — Lake Burley Griffin.
"We thought the best way to actually get a feel for it in the first instance and to see whether the proof of concept … should be taken any further was to do this demonstration flight."
